Street fairs, food festivals, and more summertime fun in South Eastern Ontario
Ah, Summertime. If we’re not kicking back on a patio, you can find us at one of these awesome events across South Eastern Ontario.
It’s time to draft your ultimate summer bucket list and start ticking off those incredible experiences waiting for you. Whether you’re yearning to unleash your inner dance machine at an open-air concert or tantalize your taste buds at an outdoor festival, we’ve got you covered! Prepare yourselves for a guide to the hottest July happenings in South Eastern Ontario.
1. Prescott Pop-Ups, Prescott
Every Weekend from May to September, 2023
Get a full day’s shopping experience in one beautiful spot at the annual Prescott Pop-Ups retail experience happening every weekend all summer! Cruise the lakefront while you check out local shops’ goodies including B’s Bubbles Handcrafted Bath and Body Care, Forwarder’s Antiques and delicious snacks like anything on the menu of Judy’s Wooden Spoon!
2. Kemptville Street Piano Concerts, Kemptville
Every Saturday from June until August, 2023
Music has a way of speaking to the soul, and nothing can take your breath away quite like the talents of a pianist. Make your way to Kemptville on a Saturday this summer to the North Grenville Public Library, where you will be serenaded by musical talents including artists like Alanna Sterling. Do you like to play a little bit of piano? Jump on the keys as this free event is open to anyone.
3. Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market, Kingston
June 4th – September 24th, 2023
Celebrate the beautiful indigenous culture that is rooted in Kingston’s history at this year’s Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market at Springer Market Square in downtown Kingston. Each Sunday local Indigenous artists, artisans and musicians will set up shop to share their creative talents with the public. Vendors include 4 Crazy Crows, Miigwans Creations, Turtle Island Snacks and Fine Foods, just to name a few.
4. Travelling Bricks: A Larger-Than-Life Exhibition of LEGO Bricks, Brockville
Everyday from June 17th to August 20th, 2023
Your kids (and children at heart) are going to be obsessed with this exhibition because it is chalked full of lego fun! There are over 100 incredible models created by professional lego builders that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor. Kids can get creative too with an interactive playzone that holds over 200,000 legos to play with! This year’s themes are ships, trains, aviation and space and it’s all happening at the Centennial Youth Arena in Brockville!
5. Night Watch at Base 31, Picton
Weekly Thursday to Saturdays from June 22nd to October 28th, 2023
Become one with the night in a new way by joining your friends for a Night Watch at Base 31. Explore the historic site that has been adorned with art and adventure to interact with as you walk two kilometres through the grounds. Keep the kids at home as this event is for everyone 18 years and older!
6. 1000 Islands Regatta, Brockville
June 30th – July 2nd, 2023
Are you ready to rock? Get your aviators on and throw on your best pair of boots for the epic annual 1000 Islands Regatta! You can enjoy the sounds of Juno award winner Loverbody, Healy & Orr and Bourne to Rock on Friday, June 30th, come back for more on Saturday with Road Apples, Hell in Back and Dead Root Revival and finish up the weekend with a battle of the bands on Sunday all while watching some exciting hydroplane races on the St. Lawrence River.
7. Live Music at Base 31, Picton
Various Dates In July and August
Serious talent is coming to Base 31 this July and you won’t want to miss out on these incredible shows! Base 31 is a newly opened and unique air base turned music venue in The County. This July they are bringing you the best of the best with a lineup of incredible musical talents including Serena Ryder on July 8th, Arkells on July 15th, Lights on July 22nd and The Sheepdogs on July 29th!
8. County Stage, Bloomfield and Picton
Various Dates in July, 2023
Comedy, theatre and music, can you ask for more? County Stage has it all this July with musical talents Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner coming July 21st and 22nd, Comedians Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath headlining on July 1st and the hilarious Tony Award-winning show ‘The 39 Steps’ happening on various dates throughout the month.
9. Live Music at The Cove, Westport
Various Dates in July, 2023
Perfect for all music lovers, you can attend a live music show nearly every single day this July at The Cove Inn in Westport. The first week of July is jam-packed with some great local talents including Head over Heels, Nolan Hubbard, Eric Uren and Beghan Balogh, Shawn McCullough and Spencer Evans Trio!
10. Hotel Wolfe Island, Wolfe Island
Various Dates in July, 2023
Keep your eyes peeled on their events page for updates on upcoming events, musical guests and comedy shows! Each Wednesday you can show the world your talent by taking the stage for open mic night, then sit back and relax for their first July event on Saturday, July 1st, the Canada Day Reggae Spectacular!
11. RiverWalk, Prescott
Thursday Nights in July, 2023
Walk along the shoreline while experiencing everything that Prescott has to offer, as retail fuses with local arts all month long! Enjoy local attractions including the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Fort Wellington and Riverwalk Park, shop ‘til you drop with local galleries, boutiques, bazaars and more and then grab a snack or sit for a meal with local restaurants like Tim’s Fish and Chips and The Outpost Cafe.
12. Artfest Kingston, Kingston
July 1st – 3rd, 2023
Head over to City Park in Kingston on Canada Day Weekend for this year’s Artfest! ‘Art Blooms’ is the theme and includes activities that everyone can enjoy including poetry, Indigenous art, live music, children’s centres, live theatre, local food and more. This year’s new floral theme is going to make it a sight to behold.
13. Endless Summer, Belleville
July 5th – 6th, 2023
Whether you are a golf lover or just looking for a fun day to enjoy, the Endless Summer Abrams Concert and World Long Drive Golf Championship happening in Belleville is a great time for all! With your ticket to see the talented group The Abrams you also receive entry to watch the Canada’s Premium World Long Drive Championship Finals the next night where players fight for the title by hitting their golf balls over 400 yards!
14. Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Kingston
July 6th – 9th, 2023
The annual Kingston Buskers Rendezvous is an event you won’t want to miss this July. Talented buskers from all over the world convene for one weekend in downtown Kingston where the streets are sectioned off to allow the public to gather and enjoy the incredible displays of art and talent. Check out jugglers, fire shows, magicians and plenty more for three full days in the sunshine.
15. Graveyard and Gallows Walking Tour, Picton
Every Friday from July 7th to August 25th, 2023
Get to know how Picton got its name while keeping an eye out for ghosts and ghouls as you traverse the historic estate of Reverend William Macaulay. You will venture through a graveyard, old courthouse and jail cells while you are filled with stories of long-lost fellows who may have not received the justice they deserved.
16. Luminous Long Sault, Long Sault
July 8th, 2023
There is something breathtaking about a light show at night, especially when it reflects over the serene waters below. Join your loved ones for a unique and beautiful event in Long Sault as drones create a beautiful light show with choreographed displays which are only enhanced by the light of local sailboards, canoes and kayaks on the water. During the day you can participate in canoe and kayak races, potato sack races, local food and beer and plenty more fun as well!
17. St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Prescott
July 8th to August 5th, 2023
Prescott holds one of the most unique theatre experiences along its riverfront with the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, which is held in their classical outdoor amphitheatre right along the St. Lawrence River. This year you can grab a ticket to see one or more of their incredible shows including the always funny Shakespearean classic ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Hamlet’, Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, and Oscar Wildes ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. Check out their website for show times and details.
18. Ghosts of Upper Canada Village Walking Tour, Morrisburg
Saturday Nights from July 8th until September, 2023
You will want to get your tickets in advance for this popular event in Morrisburg! A spooky storyteller will guide you through the dark pioneer village while sharing stories of spirits beyond the grave that may still haunt the grounds to this day. Not for the faint of heart!
19. Dark Sky Viewing Event – Astro Photographers Assemble, Erinsville
July 15th, 2023
Whether you are a professional photographer looking to get some special shots of the starry night sky or simply a space enthusiast, you can attend a special evening at the Dark Sky Viewing Area in Erinsville for a clear night of stunning sky views. This event is free to all who would like to join, so gear up!
20. Twilight Tuesdays Makers Markets, Brockville
July 18th, 2023
Meet your pals at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 18th just outside of the famous Brockville Railway Tunnel to get ready for an evening of shopping! The Makers Market switches things up by having their vendors set up in the afternoon so it won’t affect your work day. Shop among plenty of great vendors including Charleston Botanicals and Shelly’s Jelly’s and Preservatives.
21. Kemptville LIVE, Kemptville
July 20th – 23rd, 2023
Four days of festivities start Thursday, July 20th and feature huge musical talents including Blue Rodeo, Colin James and Melissa Ethridge. Camp out or just bring your own blanket or chair and an empty belly because there will be a ton of food trucks to try out as well. Enjoy craft brews, local vendors’ goods and other goodies in addition to fabulous music for all ages to enjoy.
22. Dark Sky Viewing Event – Laser-Guided Stargazing, Erinsville
July 21st – 22nd, 2023
Perfect for novice stargazers, the laser-guided stargazing event hosted at the Dark Sky Viewing Area is the best way to learn how to decipher the mysteries of the night sky. Starting just one hour after dusk, spend an hour and a half looking up and learning how to spot constellations, planets and plenty more. Bring your own telescope for even more special views!
23. Lansdowne Fair, Lansdowne
July 21st – 23rd, 2023
This year’s theme is apple pies and family! Grab the whole tribe for a fun weekend in the sun at the 159th annual Lansdowne Fair! This annual event has all the hallmarks of a great time including fair royalty, tractor pulls, a chainsaw challenge, car shows, horse shows and plenty more. Musical talent at this year’s fair includes Country music artists County Road 5 and Henry Norwood.
24. Kick and Push Festival, Kingston
July 22nd – August 19th, 2023
Celebrating its 9th annual festivities, the Kick and Push Festival takes performance arts to the next level by including its audience all around the City of Kingston. Running for three weeks this summer, award-winning performers from all around Canada travel to Kingston to take part in this unique take on theatre. No matter what happens, just be prepared to expect the unexpected.
25. Fort Henry Tattoo, Kingston
July 22nd, 2023
Enjoy and learn about military traditions through performance arts in the enigmatic setting of Fort Henry at the annual Fort Henry Tattoo. Performers include the Fort Henry Guard, Desna Ukrainian Dance, Dancers of Kitigan Zibi, Navillera Korean Dance Company and many more and the entire night culminates with a beautiful fireworks show to take your breath away. Grab your tickets early to save your spot.
26. Cornwall Ribfest, Cornwall
July 27th – 30th, 2023
You might need to wear a bib for this drool-worthy event at the end of July. Enjoy every flavour from sweet to spicy to savoury with fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked to perfection by talented chefs. If the succulent meat isn’t enough to make you schedule a spot in your calendar, don’t forget that there is plenty more to enjoy including local performers, local vendors and a talent contest!
27. Belleville Jazz Festival, Belleville
July 28th – 30th, 2023
Transcend into the world of jazz music at the annual Belleville Jazz Festival with three days of excellent talent with over 30 performers lined up. Musical guests include Lenni Stewart and Michael Monis Duo, Brian Katz, Kate Cosco, The Dixie Demons and Howard Rees Trio, just to name a few.
28. Merrickville Festival of the Arts, Merrickville
July 29th – 30th, 2023
Gather one and all for the third annual Merrickville Festival of the Arts, located at Blockhouse Park right on the banks of the Rideau Canal. Every day from 10:00 AM on you can enjoy free admission for the whole family to witness talented artists including local musicians, poets, solo plays, painters, sculptors and much more.
29. No 9. Eco-Art Exhibition, Lyndhurst
July 29th – October 1st, 2023
As you near the end of July, the fun is just beginning! No. 9 Eco-Art Exhibition has used nature to its benefit to create stunning works of art with the natural surroundings among the grasslands, marsh and trails. Take some time out of your weekend to attend a guided tour or just pop in during their visitor viewing hours to take a look at the unique mesh of art and nature.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, these captivating celebrations offer an opportunity to connect with the vibrant communities of this region and create lasting memories. So mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and set off on an unforgettable exploration of South Eastern Ontario. Your epic summer escapade starts today, my friend, and let me tell you—it’s going to be unforgettable!
